Golf Cart Maintenance In SC’s Summer – Four Cool Tips

Summertime is right around the corner, and the outdoor fun is about to begin. So, preparing your golf cart for the season is critical. Months of gathering dust might negatively impact battery performance and tire quality, compromising your safety and the cart’s life. 

In South Carolina, summers are intense, so taking preventive measures and getting ready in advance is always recommended.

Unsure of where to start? – Don’t sweat it! Check out the following golf cart maintenance checklist to extend your golf cart’s life.

1. A Thorough Maintenance Check-Up

As mentioned, many things can go wrong when a golf cart is unused for an extended period. Dead batteries and flat tires are common issues, but the good news is that these are preventable. 

Before taking your golf cart for the first summer drive, check it thoroughly. From golf cart tire pressure, brake responsiveness, and oil leaks to golf cart battery maintenance – please don’t get on the road before you double and triple-check the functionality of all these vital systems. 

Pro tip #1 – Did your golf cart battery die? Learn more on how to rejuvenate your golf cart battery

2. Ongoing Maintenance Practices

Keep an eye on your golf cart tire pressure
Especially in the summer, it’s important to keep the air pressure in your tires at the factory recommended level (find that out in the owner’s manual or with your local dealer). Low tire pressure in extreme heat can be a recipe for disaster. Make a habit of checking your tire pressure once a month, and, depending on the wear and tear, replace them completely when needed.

Pro tip #2 – What is the correct tire pressure for a golf cart? Check out our tire pressure maintenance guide.

Take care of your golf cart battery
Caring for your golf cart battery is essential for extending the life of your cart. Check the water level regularly, and use distilled water to fill it up after charging. To maintain a secure connection, clean and remove any dirt, grass, or debris from the batteries. This can be done by disconnecting the batteries and brushing them with water and baking soda.

On another note – if your golf cart still uses a lead-acid battery, now might be a good time to upgrade to a lithium-ion battery. Specifically, lithium-ion batteries’ reliability, functionality, and cost-effectiveness are unmatched. Doing this shift would both favor your cart and save you much hassle.

Protect the paint
Have you ever seen older vehicles with eroded paint on the top and hood? This is caused by prolonged exposure to the sun, which can also happen to your golf cart. Direct sunlight on your golf cart’s paint can actually cause it to shrivel and fade. You can avoid this by occasionally washing and waxing your golf cart. Wash the golf cart to remove any dirt or impurities, then wax it to form a thin protective layer that will keep the sun’s rays from damaging the paint.

3. Accessories

Consider some add-ons for your cart so it is better equipped for the summer heat. For example, you can choose from several shading accessories, such as a roof-hinged door or over-the-top enclosure. A tinted windshield could help protect the cart’s dashboard, and cup holders will keep you refreshed. Here is a variety of golf cart accessories we offer at Go with Garrett’s.

Pro tip #3 –  Customize your golf cart with three ideas for golf cart customizations for summer.

4. Proper Golf Cart Storage for Summer

“How to store a golf cart in the summer” is a frequently asked question by cart owners. In order to protect both the cart’s body and battery, it’s recommended to keep the cart somewhere dry, well-shaded, and safely secured off the floor, with the forward and reverse switches in “neutral.” 

As for the battery storage, have the battery fully charged and fill the water to the level specified by the cart’s manufacturer. Then, disconnect the battery charger from the AC outlet and unplug it from the cart. Lastly, disconnect the negative and positive battery connections and check for corrosion. Ideally, it’s best to check the water level and charge the battery once a month.

Pro tip #4 – Once summer ends, keep this guide handy for proper fall and winter storage of your golf cart. 

After 30 years in business, we know that late spring and summer are the most popular times for golf cart use, and your golf cart deserves some TLC. 

If you have any questions about golf cart maintenance, Garrett’s Golf Cars can help! Read more on golf cart summer maintenance, or simply reach out. If you don’t have a golf cart yet, but you’re looking to buy one, check out our vast selection of new and pre-owned carts here!

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